The Workshop: bit.ly/jpopsys

I nearly totally lost the joy of photography while I used the Sony system! That is why I switched to Pentax! I am now a proud owner of the Pentax K3 Mk. III and "regained" the absolut joy and fun of taking pictures 🙂! What a fantastic and reliable camera(system)!

Whatever you shoot with James matters not to me personally. You deliver consistently high quality content with great humour, thank you.

I love my Sony A6400. Been a great first camera. Thank you for all your videos. They’ve been a great help as a beginner.

I have been using Sony since the Nex 6 came out years ago. Stayed with Sony because of the small form factor and because I was pleased with the images I got. I now use the A7iv. Great camera, great sensor and the Sony system has a brilliant lens choice for all budgets but I understand what James means. This may sound strange but most of the new cameras are amazing photographic machines and if you take/make a bad photo don't blame the camera, however in making them so good the soul has disappeared. I still use and enjoy my Sony gear but about 2 years ago I invested in 2 cameras that give me back the pleasure in the process of taking a photo again. The Lumix LX 100ii (used) and my mate the Fujifilm X100V.

Glad that you bought new Fuji. I am really expecting your next videos, Mr James. Thank you so much for inspiring me on taking photos, I learned a lot from you, I love your style. I use Lumix too, and I felt good when my favourite photographer - it's you - using same brand. But recently I am interested in Fuji - it brings me joy when using it, I thought "no no James I will use different camera with you", but now you said you just bought new Fuji, hahhaaa you dont know how excited I am, my favorite photographer again has same feeling and thoughts with me 😂😂

I've been Watching a lot of channels about photography and how to make a youtube channel from it. I always end up coming back to your channel to binge-watch cause you're content is amazing!

Good video James; I think you have hit the nail on the head as to why I love my M10 so much compared to my 5D MkIII, and that is the process.

Variety is the spice of life. A lot of folks seem to use the Fujis for fun. Best example is Omar Gonzales who uses Sony and sometimes Nikon for his event work but shoots most of his personal work on a variety of Fuji cameras. You're never boring, James. Cheers! 👍🥂 Also, whoever gave the Cartier-Bresson book will surely be pleased that you're putting it to good use. 😉

Well done for finally getting yourself a NAS, they are incredible aren't they!!!

I received his book a few days ago, & although I think it crossed the Atlantic on a rowboat, it was worth the wait. Great pictures & the narrative enhances the experience. Great book!

Enjoy your videos James. I have just inherited a Sony A7iii, enjoying using it so far, love the images from it.

I got my A7 in November 2013 and it's still working although there are some bubbles in the plastic covering and there's a speck in the evf. At first I thought the camera looked like it'd been designed and made in a garden shed by someone who just didn't care about styling but it's grown on me and now I actually quite like its squared off modernist and even minimalist design. I've had no issues with the hotshoe cover message.

James you made a smart choice picking up the xpro 3 and especially the dura black ! Such a beautiful camera and a joy to use. I had the same issue shooting sony I felt nothing when out shooting and it felt like a tool more than a camera. I definitely fall in that second category of needing to connect to my camera. You should look into the xt5 if you ever get curious of a Fuji camera to take out next to the Sony on those cliffs and mountains 😉

I’ve been using Sony for four years now and I’m pretty happy. Looking forward to the A9iii coming out. Yup, for me too it’s definitely a tool, for a job. But then I think it was the same before that with Canon - if there was any emotion it was more frustration that so many shots weren’t in focus 😆

I've had cameras from almost every manufacturer; DSLRs, Mirrorless, Compacts etc, shot loads of film and still own cabinets full of film cameras too even though they're too expensive to use nowadays. I currently shoot with a Sony A6400 but have been feeling increasingly the same as you James. I began the search for a camera that has more of that 'connection' to shooting and landed on an old Canon 5D Mark II and 50mm and it has been so wonderful. The image quality, colours, shooting experience, OVF and that distinctive shutter slap just have something that mirrorless cameras seem to lack nowadays. I'm now finding more and more that simplicity is key, not having millions of features & settings to mess with allows me to focus more on what I'm shooting rather than being on location trawling through pages and pages of menus looking for something so simple! I find it works better with me but understand still that technology needs to evolve, but for me at least; it can evolve a bit too much sometimes.

A simple content, but very enjoyable, as you touched (in your way) in one of the "dilema" of some photographers, and you resume it so well.. STERILE.. that´s the word I was missing to explain what I have been feeling in the last 5 to 6 years trying different systems. I end up buying and staying with the Leica M in the last 3 years.. and that´s it, I´m done, and it´s just a relief. I found again the joy and the passion for taking photos. The process is really important, and that´s what sets apart of taking photos.. because at the end is just an image that can be taken with trillions of cameras. Of course, the print is a must to close the process. Thanks for bringing this subject. Well done.

I think with digital, once you get to a certain competency level you're pretty much guaranteed that the images that come out of your camera will be as expected. Whereas with film there was always that chance of something unexpected so there was an excitement when you first looked through your images. I know that's not really anything to do with the enjoyment of using your camera, as you were talking about, but it's another way that the fun of photography has changed over time. I don't feel any great rush to look at my images when I get home these days. There's a kind of weird separation going on between taking a photo and then developing it. Weird because now I don't have to wait a few days for a film to go off for developing before I can see it and yet I seem more disconnected from it now. 🤷‍♀

As a Fujifilm shooter, you will love the lens value, and the experience, but you might hate the colours and tones. I spend a lot of time fighting the colours, and muddy tonality, because you don't always want gimmicky photos with quirky hue shifts and pulled highlight curves. I find most people that get into Fujifilm are looking to lose some weight in their gear or try a constraint challenge like jpeg only, living with compact f2.8 primes only, or dials only manual shooting. Once they feel successful, they largely bring what they've learned back to normal systems. So enjoy the journey, mate. I'm ready for the inevitable video in six months time for why you sold the X-Pro. If I hadn't invested so much into Fujifilm, I think I would have gone for the R6II and a Ricoh GRIII. As it stands, I'm 2 bodies and 5 lenses deep already. I have some regrets. 😂

I'll be interested to see how you get on with the Fuji system. I've been using Fuji since I started, and not only do I like the output, but the process of using the camera is relatively close to film. I didn't quite like the X-H1 that I had, but have enjoyed my X100V (recently sold), and am loving the X-T3 I am currently using. I've toyed with the idea of switching to a full frame system in the past, but I do just enjoy the Fuji's too much. Honestly, if I go for a bigger sensor, I would probably opt to try and pickup one of the GFX's.

I've been around the block with cameras until I landed on the Leica M and manual lenses. Yes, horribly expensive and I bought into it when I still had a "good" job. I've owned it now for several years and still love it and look forward to going out looking for photos. I love looking at it, holding it, shooting it, and the quality of the photos. It's certainly not a "do everything" type of camera which sometimes forces more creativity and more thought. It's just a joy to use and has solved my gear lust.

I'm glad Mads and Nigel introduced me to your videos. In the few weeks that I have been watching, you view photography from a different angle. Thank you for reminding me not to be stuffy about photography. just have fun and follow your curiosity.

I recently bought the 24-70 GM II because it seemed to have the sharpness and ultra-low flare of the prime lenses that I lugged around. Tony Northrup's extensive testing of this lens showed clearly how well the lens handled backlit scenes with big contrasts between light and dark. It's still not as good as the Sony GM 50 or 135, but it's almost as good. It's a LOT lighter than carrying both of those lenses, one on your camera and one in your pack. I don't get any particular thrill out of simply using expensive tools, like a camera. I get a thrill when the tool allows me to turn a vision into a reality. Each to his or her own, I guess. If camera manufacturers want to take some risks to improve the usability of new cameras, there's a lot that they could do to improve the EVF. Bigger, brighter images. Perhaps a modular system where different people could choose different plug-in EVFs. This could even create a new market for accessories. To do that, they would have to solve the problem of reliable data connections in a wet and dirty environment. That would also solve the problems of having USB-C and HDMI sockets covered with flimsy rubber flaps.

You found snappiness! Love his channel. I am in complete agreement - I love using sub-par cameras and getting nice results. Film cameras are fun as well. I really like using my olympus m43 kit, but I also have some old digital kit I use a fair bit because they're fun.

Hi James, this desire to not only love photography but also get great joy out of the equipment you use is not new. I have been a photographer from before SLRs came into existence. I have used primarily Pentax, Olympus, Nikon in the film days, DSLR bodies Nikon, Canon, Fuji,Fuji, Fuji ad infinitum, used and tried virtually all the models to date as I ran a second hand camera shop for quite a few years. The only real joy to prompt me to get the greatest pleasure out of the process I had was using a Pentax KM, Nikkormat FN, (10/10) Nikon FM, Nikon D300(10/10), Nikon D7000, Fuji XT1/2, Fuji X-Pro2,(10/10), and now the camera with the specifications and design I always wanted Fuji X-T5. What a joy to use but I won’t grade it till I have used it for a few years currently my opinion is 11/10. Is it perfect, no. Does it take brilliant pictures yes but they all do now. Does it give me the most pleasure and prompt me to pick it up and get out? Absolutely. Was I tempted to buy the brilliant Sony? Yes. Picked it up and tried it and put it back on the shelf as you said ‘Sterile’ but a still a superb camera.

Great video. Your sentiment about Sony (toward the end) is the exact reason why I switched to the Leica SL2-S. Images were great from the Sony (no complaints), but the joy factor wasn't there. For all it lacks compared to Sony and Canon from a technical perspective, the SL2-S has been a boat load of fun. Expensive, yes, but fun.

One year on, still in love with my EOS M50. Having said that, I have great respect for Sony and the big lens lineup they have, also the built-in IBIS on all cameras.

I 100% agree with you, i love using both my Z6 & Z7 for the past 3 years. they have been a joy since moving from the D850. like you i hate tripods and shoot 90% of the time handheld.

That location was stunning, James and I loved the photos. I really enjoy using my G80 but I can understand what you mean about some cameras perhaps feeling a little sterile when compared to others. Leica cameras for example look so much fun to use (particularly the M’s - which I’m still trying to decide whether to purchase or not or get a Q 🤔). I’ve really liked the look of the X-Pro 3 as well so I’m looking forward to seeing what you capture with that. I’m guessing that’s what you’re using in London.

I shoot Sony since 6 years and I have the same feelings about it. They are brilliant workhorses but that's all. Same as you I have been researching the Fuji X system (among all the others..) because I really want a camera which could bring back the joy of photography, which doesn't give me the feeling that I am working when I pick it up and as a huge bonus its without any hassle of post-processing as I find their film simulations (and the added possibilities by FujiX weekly's recipes) for jpeg shooting truly brilliant. So I decided on getting an X-E4 as an EDC first with the 27mm kit, I just wish they were in stock..

I bought a Nikon D700 a few years ago and I love using it. I also enjoy the small file sizes. Fun camera.

Glad to see you dipping your toes into the Fuji world. Fully agree about the film faff (and developing is expensive here in Switzerland) but Fuji is a great compromise for those of us old enough to have grown up with dials and aperture rings. For a non-pro, the pleasure of use is super important and if it encourages us to go out more with a camera the chance of getting a great shot is much improved. Tbh, even MFT is good enough for A3 prints so Fuji’s 26MP APS-c is certainly ok.

You surprised me! I’m not a Sony user (except for a card reader), but general points you shared were thoughtful, helpful and interesting.

I’ve used just about every camera brand since the film days and I love my Sonys. They do everything I ask of them and produce amazing image quality results. 100% happy.

Thank you for this video, it’s always a pleasure. As Sony is concerned : it looks like you spent only 11 month with it, the last month it transformed into a Leica ^^ And about innovation : even you’re not gonna switch manufacturer, you should try the Canon R3 with the Focus Eye Control system. Not really helpful for a landscape photographer but this is what innovation can make. Anyway, thanks again.

You discuss a fascinating, and completely valid topic in this video...and that is a desire for more interaction with your camera as part of the image creation process. And I think you're right to point out that there are in general two camps of photographers...those who are more end-result image-centric, and those who are more gear-centric but still strive for creative imagery. I think we've been conditioned by a lot of youtube videos that "gear doesn't matter" (so long as it's half-way decent) and that photography is all about the final image. And this conditioning translates into a sense of guilt if like fiddling with the camera and related gear. Your comments here give more credence and validation to those who actually enjoy their gear, and want, as you say, to have more interaction with it as part of their creative process.

I fall into category 2. I have the A7R4 and A7R5 and they serve their purpose. But also as someone who shoots film and desires the interactions with the camera, I also have a Fuji and the Nikon Zfc. I wish Sony would put more into their designs but I don't mind owning multiple camera types as well.

I use Olympus cameras first and foremost because of their relatively small lenses and the retro appearance…..I’ve also got an Fujifilm x-pro 2 and xt-5 principally to take advantage of a larger sensor with more megapixels, but i enjoy using these because of the handling features and dedicated knobs and switches…..🎉❤

Completely sympathize with this video. I have a Fuji XH2. The new sensor is incredible, but it is also very sterile. Literally bought the exact same camera you just held up in front of the screen last week and I love it. It’s been a blast shooting with it over the past few days. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

With reference to the location you were shooting at rather than Sony gear. The engine houses are called Crowns, part of the Botallack mine, and form part of the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site. The engine houses themselves were restored in the 1980s (if I remember correctly by the Carn Brea Mining Society). Back in the 60s and 70s (when I was a teenager down there) they were gradually falling down thanks to the storms and high seas in that location. I have images from the 70s (on film obviously) from within the engine houses (not sure if it's possible to get inside them now and it was a bit sketchy, to say the least!). Botallack and the other well-known mines in the area, Levant and Geevor, have a wealth of history and stories attached to them - not least the mining disasters involving the deaths of many miners. The St Just and Pendeen area was heavily mined for both copper and tin and is one of the most historic parts of the West Penwith peninsula. The workings from the Crowns engine houses extended out under the sea by some distance. Back in the 70s and 80s you could see the red iron ore stain in the sea during rough weather from the breached workings but this doesn't seem to be visible any more. As you are interested in the impact man has had on the landscape, that area is full of photographic opportunities.

I share your feeling about looking for cameras to enjoy the process. In my case I discovered the joy of the challenge produced by old cameras.

Hey James, I can't wait to see your video about the Fuji you bought. I'm pretty sure that Fuji camera has returned the process enjoyment you said you were missing with your current system. I really love Fuji cameras (and the resulting photos).

9:00 I know well that dichotomy between joy and functionality. I have a Sony system with an excellent set of very sharp lenses across a range of focal lengths. And as great as that is, I almost always default to my little Fuji X100v for the sheer joy of using it

I got my hands on an Olympus 8-25mm (16 to 50mm in full frame equivalent) and since I shoot landscapes it has almost never come off my camera. All that lens swapping I used to do, or worrying I don't have the right focal length to capture something I see...I don't know if I'll ever be able to go out with another lens.

Great video! Nothing against sony and their cameras. My first digital camera was the wonderful little sony a6000. Agree with all you stated about them. Only complaint I had was the weather sealing. Eventually I felt same way about the joy of using the camera, and found fujifilm x100v, and fell in love with the process of actually using a camera thanks to the manual controls and more classic look of the device. All very subjective, but for me the result was switching from sony to fujifilm. But that's the good thing of having several companies and models, so we can all get what best suits us. Great video as always! Thanks for sharing info on the backup option. Might consider something like it.

I have essentially done the same thing. I shoot Sony at work and Canon at home, but i just got a small Panasonic which i use my vintage lenses with. Its a lot of fun and more compact so i take it with me more often.

tameron 18-300mm and my either a6400 or honestly my fav so for is the sony zv-10. not having a place to see the depth other than the screen a hood and a either fire tab 10 or the hd8 and camera+ or what ever using customs luts on that I can switch through is so so nice.

Hope you and your family are well and had a great Christmas and New Year. I switched to Sony last August from Fuji has cost me a small fortune! I have the A7111 and the A7IV both fitted with battery grips and three Sony zooms covering 20mm to 600mm early results are fabulous. Keep up the excellent videos.

James - I'll be making a trip to the UK this spring. Would love to know where you'd recommend taking a photo-centric day trip from London (predominately by rail, if possible). Thanks!

I never comment on videos but I had a very wet trip to the Brecons between xmas and my Sony had a melt down because of the (constant) rain! now I know its the hot shoe that causes that very constant Bain in my life message! Cheers James!

As someone who's been on the fence and off the fence about that 24-70 GMII I would have loved to hear your thoughts on it in more details. Doh.

Not commenting for the camera, but for your NAS. I've had a Synology NAS for 12 years now and I think its possibly the power pack / cable that's failed on mine so I'm going to have to find a replacement for that but apart from that I'm a fan of their storage solutions. Just need to figure out how to get my photos off the HDs in the future!

57 Year old Nikon shooter here. 1st camera I ever had was an old Brownie that shot 120 medium format film. 1st 35mm was a Nikon FG20. 1st DSLR Nikon D50. I own a variety of cameras and have used many brands and formats. Professionally I shoot real estate, events and portraits with Nikon Z mount cameras/lenses. I bought used Fuji X-T3 and a handful of X mount lenses late last year. So far, it's been a lot of fun. I can relate to you and the need to enjoy using a camera...

I absolutely love my Fujifilm XT5. Such a joy to shoot with!

As a Sony user for 14 years since the cyber shot days and now using Alpha cameras for my career, never in my mind I thought they're boring. When I work for a client I focus on giving them a photo to remember with high quality. I get your point James, some may get fatigued with today's cameras and technology getting too involved.

Have you thought of investing in a couple of old manual lenses and adapters? Something like a Micro-Nikkor would give you loads of quality and fun. I use so-called 'heritage lenses' and adapters, including a Leica-R Summicron, which can do amazing things.

Curious to hear about your experience with the Fujifilm X-Pro 3 in the next video!

I used a Nikon D700 since 2009. LOVE that camera. The mirror is sticking and refuses to lower most of the time these days. I refused to pay for repairs and purchased a Sony a7ii in 2019 on Black Friday on sale. I love it in most ways. Most of my lenses are now old film lenses with adapters. I do miss the Nikon camera feel. You're right, it's more exciting to use than the Sony, but I try to concentrate on what matters and make the best of it. Sony is at the end of the day a game changer. At a fraction of what Nikon charges for full frame mirrorless, Sony offers a more boring but capable camera and I think that is fantastic for low budget photographers. I gladly will take my low budget fake Leica out for a street session. :) Thanks again for your videos, I shall be watching :)

James, you could try the Sigma fp. I have one and I love taking photos with it. I bring it with me everywhere, even to the office.

I personally have a ton of fun and enjoyment shooting with my Sony gear. I do find adapting vintage manual lenses to my Sony cameras definitely adds to that, especially when I am able to slow down to focus, but overall I have a good time shooing on my RIV and RIII. My gripe with Sony is the rarity of firmware updates, especially on the RIV. I feel like there could've been that one game-changing update like when they added animal eye AF to the gen III bodies, but... nothing. Just released an "A" model with a better screen. Firmware updates is one reason I'm super-jealous of Fuji. TBH if Fuji ever released a FF camera with AF in the ballpark of Sony's, I'd consider switching.

Would be interested to hear your further thoughts on the Ricoh GR iiix in that context. How are you enjoying it and when do you find yourself using it. Oh yes, I do have one.

I also bought the X-Pro3 for the same reason! I use it like a film-camera (all manual, exposure metering, not looking at the screen etc.) and I love it! Brings me so much joy to fiddle with and no drawback or extra cost that comes with film.

Best explanation of sharpness in a lens I've ever heard. Makes sense now. Good. Now I can erase that as a critera for when buying new lenses. Should reduce the cost a fair bit I think.

I've had a good number of Sony camera's over the last decade: A77, NEX-5N, A6000, RX-100, RX-10, RX1, RX1RII, RX100VA, and lastly the A7R III. Out of all those, the only 3 I remember having genuine excitement using and taking everywhere was the A77, NEX-5N, and RX1 (not the R II!) I started thinking about this recently because of how little I find myself using my A7RIII this past year or two. And I think the reason is, is precisely because I realized how boring it was to shoot with. Those three older cameras I just mentioned were real odd-balls that were fun and intriguing to use. They took great photos AND did a lot of interesting things that made me want to use them. Otherwise, all those other Sony's I owned were all similar flavors of the same. Tools that, yes, capture light and reproduce it into a 2D image file REALLY WELL, but also (I only recently realized) were just plain failing to inspire me to pick em' up and go out. It's hard to describe the exact feelings, and your gear itself shouldn't be the point of taking photos... buuuuuuuuut when it's not your literal career, and are just a hobbyist-for-fun shooter like myself, you do kind of want *more* from the camera itself. After realizing this, I recently got a Fujifilm X-T5, and while its body is nearly the same size and shape as the A7RIII, both the act of using it AND its resulting photos are so different it brings new enjoyment to photography as an activity again for me -- feels more like a camera to simply enjoy using (in both taking photos AND manipulating the settings to get what you want) rather than being a commercial workhorse tool to get what's best needed for a client. (Kinda makes me want an old RX1 again as a sidekick.)

Looking forward to learn more about your new Fuji toy :)

Thanks for the interesting content you produce. I'm a relative noob, compared to most of your subs. I use two film cameras (a Pentax KM and Trip35) and an A6400. I really only started enjoying the Sony after I bought some manual lenses from 7Artisans. I use the camera in manual mode, with preview disabled and viewer info limited to the bare basics of exposure, with mid level peaking enabled. I don't chimp and almost treat the process like using my film camera. It certainly dials up the fun factor.

3:28 You're the only person I have seen that has brought this up! It's actually part of the reason I sold my Sony stuff because that message was actually making me miss good moments. They should have implemented a firmware update or something to solve it, but with my A7RIV, they seemed to like never updating it...

Bang on, James. If I was a working professional I would shoot Sony, or Canon or Nikon. But I am not, so I shoot Fuji and film. I've even gone so retro, that I have stopped shooting RAW on my X100F (shock, horror). Just use the Fuji film simulations and a few film recipes to suit the occasion. So liberating.

Love the video James and I really get your point about new cameras being boring, they all do the same thing. To illustrate, I just bought a Yashica Electro X film camera in an auction and it just blows away all the other M42 cameras for character and advancement (of its age), and that's coming from a Pentax fan - love my Spotmatics right through to my K3. My old Prakticas are good too. Keep entertaining us, I would love to see you do film even if we have to lend you a camera!

I think you should give yourself more credit James, definitely not an idiot. I've always appreciated the way you explain things simply, that's why I've continued watching because you're so down to earth. And love the weekly humour too. I've always wondered about that backup device so thanks for explaining it. The trip also sounds amazing, if I wasn't on the other end of the world and could afford it, I'd be there with bells on. Look forward to seeing your videos & photos from it. Do you watch Cecilia Blomdahl? Love her videos from her life on Svalbard.

have you considered trying out the APS-C lineup from sony like the a6400 or a6600?

Now that Panasonic has released a phase-detect autofocus system that is on-par with Sony's for video, would you consider trying the Lumix S5ii?

I think that's why people often say Sony is a camera purely for work but not for fun and enjoyment. As a person who does not rely on photo/videography for a living, Sony is a company I am not considering while switching or choosing again. I had a period of time when I first changed from DSLR to mirrorless. I switch from Nikon to Sony, the APS-C a6000 with several lenses. But I realized I barely touch the camera unless I bring it with me while I'm traveling(even this, I will also use my phone to shoot some photos instead of using the camera.) or on trips dedicated to photography with my friends. So I made a switch to Fuji, an XT30. The camera design, at that time, was so interesting and kind of easy to use. All the main function controls are physically on the camera body but not on the touch screen. Especially in a hurry, I prefer that, even if I have not touched the camera for a while, I can still remember which dial is controlling what function. Now I'm giving my XT5 to my girlfriend and buying a Lumix S5II for myself, a middle ground between a working camera and fun, in my opinion. Which I quite like to bring it with me(apart from it is heavier), but I'm certain this is not the case if I buy an a7m3 or m4 instead.

Still loving my D850 and set of Otus primes.

I have a Sony a9 and a7iii. They are tools for a job,I don’t particularly enjoy using them, but they deliver the goods. I also have a Leica M10, fujifilm x-pro2, Mamiya 645, Leica dlux109, Nikon FM2n, voigtlander bessa r2… those are very much for fun, and I love using each one.. just picking up the x-pro2 puts a smile on my face.

Your point on boring cameras hit home. My camera journey went Olympus EM5, Olympus EM10 III, Lumix G9, Lumix S5. I yearn for the EM10 III now. It was by far the most fun to use, easy to carry and the shutter button just clicked in the right way. The G9 had the least satisfying shutter you'll ever find and it disconnected me from the shot. If I'm going to a specific location in specific conditions, the S5 is what i would pick every time, but shooting without an aim and I don't enjoy the process half as much as with the Olympus.

I'm really think you should try the OM-1 by OM SYSTEM camera, this one is really inspairing peice of tech. After I switched from my Lumix G9 which was lovley camera (thanks to your videos) I found my self getting new shots with new style of shooting and more accurate. If you have a chance to loan this camera for few hours, I think this is the most fun camera you ever use.

I'm a hobbyist, not a pro, so of course, different needs/desires. For me, bridge cameras like the Sony RX 100 and RX 10 IV have kept me from slinking off into cell phone hell. I hike, fish camp, travel and secondarily to that, want to take nice photos of the places I find myself. To me the "process" of getting a photo I love includes doing what it takes to get to the places I want to get photos of. I still have a (admittedly outdated) Sony DSLR system which I keep around around for the times when I just want to primarily take photos and not as an adjunct to some other activity. The night before I go out I figure out what lenses I want to take, what filters, which tripod etc, then I pack my bag. When morning comes I look at the bag, and then at the RX 100 and grab the RX 100. What can I say? Weight, portability and convenience...

Just when I thought your videos couldn't get any better you bring out the late great Maurice White. "Do you remember" yes EWF, I do

I recently upgraded to the Panasonic s5 and will pick up the new s5ii just for AF but I still find myself shooting with the gx7 just because it has that something. The shutter sound in itself just brings joy. May pick up a gx8 just for fun. Btw if you wanted to come back to Lumix we would welcome you 😉!

That's why i bought a used 5D classic 5 years back. it can't get more barebones than that and god it is an absolute joy shooting with that camera. Just finished shooting some candid shots on my mechanic's shop that i was servicing my car. sure i'll always bring my Sony for serious work but this 5D is my day to day shooting camera just for the joy it offers to me, and it's pretty capable too, it can do 90% of what my Sony A7iii does even though it now is an 18 years old camera. Love the colors better than any camera i've used in my life. Jpegs straight out of it are just magical to say the least

The manufactures have moved heavily into digital mirrorless which has its pros and cons, perhaps increasing detachment from their use when more understanding was required rather than rely on automation. Even something as simple as DSLR to mirrorless introduces a level of detachment removing the optical for electronic viewfinder...

Interesting! I still love the G9 kit. So light and easy to use.

i've been shooting sony for about 5 years now and though i love all the images i get out of my camera and the lenses for this system i always find myself more inspired when i grab a film camera. With film prices the way they are on top of development i just couldnt justify buying film anymore. Which lead me to buy my 'new to me' fuji x100t and i LOOOVE everything about this camera. its slow, and quirky BUT BOY its a joy to use. Though theres not as many film simulations as the newer cameras, the x100t gives me everything i need. This little camera inspires me to get out and shoot more and i love it so much! Congrats on the xpro, i really really considered getting one of those but knowing myself i would've wanted to buy every lens that peaked my interest and since im in too deep with Sony i couldnt justify buying into another system fully. 😂😅 Have fun with your new toy and be sure to check out that 35 1.4 from Fuji, i hear that little lens has so much character and its a joy to use! :)

I agree, some newer cameras are bit sterile. Fuji XT2 & XT5, very fun to use and brings back joy of the process of photography

Writing this as of January 2nd, 2024. Happy New Year, James and you fellow visitors! Always a nice opportunity to stop and look back, even if this is my first stop at Popsys channel comments. You have made a lot of progress in 2023. I remember struggling with watching your videos and sometimes leaving them half the way, sharing our love for hiking and photography was not enough. Not any more! I enjoyed relaxed every second of the last two uploads of yours. Keep a good work, your account on G9 mk2 for one has some subtle findings which I understand and appreciate. The same goes for this one. That's when you employ your personal added value. Your trade mark! Cheers... 🥂 One reason they're making the MFT-cameras needlessly larger nowadays is to appeal to our vanity. By appearing so much bigger than the cameraphones, and as big as the FF, we and people around us take their MFT "pro" value for granted. I on the other hand long for the days of my GH2 fascination. I'm sure they are able to make a camera like G9 as big now as the GH2 used to be, they are just afraid we won't perceive their value fully and be prone to pay as much. Look at the car industry. The same with the cars. Who needs those huge machines with so scarce space for luggage and stuff? It's as if half of the car owners in GB and Benelux goes to safari twice a year. No, they don't. Even if they did they would need more space for the baggage. But big cars with small trunks impress the neighbours & bystanders and boost the owner's ego.

If you want to add some emotional spice to shooting Sony, I highly recommend getting voigtlander lenses made for Sony FE mount. You are basically shooting a more advanced form of Leica lenses that provide complete exif info. The greatest emotional connection I have had to any lens is the voigtlander 40mm 1.2 FE lens. The 135mm 1.8 Zeiss made for some Sony A mount is also right up there (which can now autofocus on newer Sony bodies). Both those lenses are very imperfect, but are full of character and have a lushness to the out of focus areas that are unmatched in my experience.

If you're worried about your hdd-s dying on you, there's a little program called HD Sentinel, itt tells you all about your hard drives, and SSD-s too, also, it's really easy to understand.

I still shoot with a D750 and to be honest i can't really afford to upgrade to mirrorless at the moment. However, I am a bit concerned that getting too much technology may be less fun. I also have a Fujifilm X100S as my everyday carry and that really forces me to slow down and think more which I enjoy.

Thanks for the plug of the Snappiness channel. He does some interesting stuff.

I use Qnap NAS. Rather than setting up daily backup, I have mine set up to sync with my main pc for photo editing for all "photos". I also have it set up to sync from my laptop but only copies files to the laptop that I actually open while connected or put onto the laptop while traveling. (I'm a computer programmer who has photography as a hobby rather than the other way around)

Would you go back to Lumix now that the S5ii has phase detect AF?

Was that a Fuji X10 or x20? I'm looking to buy one for the save reason currently 😁

I felt this way about canon. I've moved to the Olympus om-d em1 mark ii I love the looks and feel I want to pick it up.

I still happy with M43 with prime lens collection. With Pure Raw 2 software, quality is more than enough for me. :)

James, it´s time for a Vintage manual lens, start with a m42 adapter and a Pentacon 50mm f1,8. (probably can get this for 50-70£) I have a pretty good Tamron 28-75 VXDXI ZZR IPA DDH but seldom use it. Only on occasions when I need to be ready for fast action, I started with said Pentacon, and have grown in to a Konica hoarder now. The lesser coatings gives you flares, that you can use or need to work around, and the all manual control gets you thinking.

Great video. I have an a7s3 and a7iv for video and photos, it's my job. They are joyless, the results aren't. I get great joy from the invoices they let me charge lol. But they are no fun to use whatsoever. Call me cliche, but i think looking through actual glass or a mirror is so much more involving and joyful than looking at what is essentially a very small high performance monitor. I used to think that kind of opinion was nonsense. Why on earth would that matter, especially when viewfinders went high refresh rate. But then i use my german rangefinder film camera on the street...or I look through the groundglass of my F3, 503CW or RB67...and i remember, cameras used to not only be cool...but joyful. I think actually seeing the worlds light when we're doing our thing makes a huge unconscious difference. Imagine playing an instrument but never hearing it's actual sound...just it's playback. Not for me. There's a reason you can't buy a Fuji x100v for love or money at the moment. This might be the most pretentious comment i've ever left, but i still think it's true 😂

Maybe you should try adapting vintage lenses to your Sony. These sure do add some character that you might be missing in the Sony system. Would love to see a video on your opinion on that 👌

Love the video, and I agree. I have been looking at Sony as a system. Technically brilliant and yet too sterile. The same could be said of the new CaNikon Mirrorless as well. I suppose that is why I have kept going with Pentax. Can be a bit clunky, but has some superb photographers features built in, but more importantly the fact the flange distance is the same with the K-mount and the M42 screw mount, means I can play with some seriously old lenses and love the process and results. I do have some ultra clinical state of the art lenses for the serious paid stuff, but then I can play with more characterful old lenses at the same time and then on my film cameras.

Very good assessment of modern technology. The recording is fine but where's the melody?